Northumbrian Gunner: Somme 2023

Saturday 11 March 2023

Somme 2023 - Battle of Ancre

By November 1916 the Battle of the Somme had been in progress since the 1st July. An offensive that originally intended to seize ground from the Germans and break through their lines had become a battle of attrition as the British moved their front line forward. By the begining of November 1916 the British had secured key ground of the Thiepval, Poziers, Bazentin and Transloy Ridges.

In a final battle before the onset of winter an attack was launched to eliminate a German salient in the River Ancre Valley. Objectives which had planned to be seized on the opening day of the battle on 1st July 1916.

River Ancre 1916

The V Corps conducted the attack. After a five-day artillery barrage, the assault was launched by 3 divisions at 5.45am on November 13. The 51st Highland Division captured Beaumont Hamel on the left, the 63rd Royal Naval Division Beaucourt in the centre , and the 3rd Division St Pierre Divion on the right.

River Ancre 1916

The 63rd Royal Naval Division (RND) attacked north of the River Ancre towards Beaucourt. Their divisional artillery was the second line Northumbrian Brigades of 315 and 317 Brigades RFA, plus 223 Brigade RFA and V, X,Y,Z, Trench Mortar Batteries

Ancre Valley Beaucourt

On the right of the RND's attack, the Hood and Drake battalions made good progress, the preparatory barrage had been effective in reducing the German defences. The Hawke and Nelson Battalions encountered an unknown strongpoint and were cut down by machine gun fire. The RND fought their way forward, but a final push onto Beaucourt at mid-day was repelled by the Germans.

The following day the assault was renewed, this time supported by tanks. They made little progress through the combination of effective German artillery fire and the Somme mud. They were however able to knock out the German strongpoint that had been encountered the previous day.

Battle of the Ancre Tanks

Inspired by the Commanding Officer of the Hood Battalion, Bernard Freyberg, and after three failed attempts to secure Beaucourt, the RND were able to capture the village on their fourth attempt. For his actions Bernard Freyberg was awarded the Victoria Cross.